In a tense, back-and-forth playoff opener that had everything from high-level shot-making to defensive grit, the Denver Nuggets edged the Los Angeles Clippers 112–110 in overtime to take a 1-0 lead in their Western Conference first-round series.
Nikola Jokic was once again the heartbeat of the Nuggets, falling just one rebound shy of a triple-double with 29 points, 13 assists, and 9 rebounds. The reigning MVP candidate controlled the floor, threading passes into tight windows and delivering clutch buckets when Denver needed them most. Aaron Gordon added 25 points in a breakout postseason performance, while Jamal Murray contributed 21 — further solidifying the Nuggets’ case as title contenders.
But the win wasn’t without drama. The Clippers, led by James Harden’s 32 points and 11 assists, pushed the Nuggets to the brink. Kawhi Leonard poured in 22 points but struggled with turnovers, coughing up the ball seven times — none more costly than the final play of the game, when a deflection by Russell Westbrook sealed the result.
Jokic the Maestro, Gordon the X-Factor
Coming into the series, the narrative rightly focused on Jokic’s all-around brilliance and whether the Clippers could find a defensive solution to slow him down. Game 1 proved they could not. Jokic was patient and precise, orchestrating the Denver offence with surgical finesse.
His vision was on full display throughout the evening, particularly in overtime, where he found Gordon cutting baseline for key buckets and fed Murray on the perimeter to stretch the floor. Though he missed out on a triple-double by a single rebound, Jokic’s 13 assists — against just two turnovers — demonstrated once again why he’s arguably the most unguardable big man in basketball today.
Meanwhile, Aaron Gordon’s offensive outburst was a welcome surprise. Often overlooked in the headlines, Gordon stepped into the spotlight with timely scoring and physical defence on Leonard. His 25 points came on an efficient mix of drives, put-backs, and mid-range jumpers — giving Denver a much-needed secondary scorer behind Jokic.
Clippers Show Fight, But Errors Prove Costly
Despite the loss, the Clippers will leave Ball Arena knowing they were one possession away from stealing Game 1 on the road. Harden was brilliant from the opening tip, attacking the Nuggets’ defence with purpose and confidence. His 32 points and 11 assists were a reminder of his elite playoff pedigree.
Kawhi Leonard looked steady early, but as the game wore on, Denver’s defensive schemes began to take a toll. Christian Braun and Gordon forced Leonard into awkward spots, contributing to his seven turnovers — a stat line that ultimately decided the game.
Still, the Clippers had chances to win in regulation. In fact, they led by four with under two minutes to go in overtime before Jokic and Westbrook’s hustle plays swung momentum back to the home side. With the game tied and just seconds remaining, Westbrook poked the ball away from Harden, leading to a Denver possession and Murray’s go-ahead jumper.
Harden had one last shot at redemption, but his contested three at the buzzer missed, and the Nuggets escaped with a hard-fought win.
Betting Tips Recap: Winners and Near Misses
From America Bet’s original betting preview, several predictions aged well:
❌ Nikola Jokic Triple-Double – Just missed by one rebound.
✅ Jokic to Lead in Assists – Delivered easily with 13 assists.
❌ Game Total Under 225.5 – Final score: 112-110 (222 total)
❌ Denver Nuggets to Win by 6+ Points – Missed – only a 2-point win
❌ Kawhi Leonard Over 24.5 Points – Finished with 22
✅ Clippers +6.5 Spread – Hit with ease
❌ Norman Powell Over 20.5 Points – Quiet game from Powell
✅ Jokic 2+ 3-Pointers – Drilled two from deep
❌ Murray Over 22.5 Points – Close, but fell just short at 21
✅ Jokic to Score First Basket – Converted Denver’s opening possession
In total, six of ten betting predictions either hit or came tantalisingly close, making it a valuable day for punters who followed the preview closely. Particularly notable were the Game Total Under 225.5 and Jokic to Lead in Assists, both of which were among our highest confidence picks.
Game 2 Outlook
Looking ahead to Game 2 on Monday, adjustments are expected from both sides. The Clippers will need to tighten up their ball handling and rebounding, having committed 20 turnovers and been outmuscled on the offensive boards. Westbrook’s late-game hustle was a bright spot, and his presence could be a tactical wildcard for Tyronn Lue in Game 2.
Denver, on the other hand, will hope to replicate the defensive pressure that forced those turnovers, while also finding ways to get Michael Porter Jr. going — he was largely ineffective in Game 1.
Jokic and Harden are likely to continue their duel, but the supporting casts — particularly Murray, Gordon, and Leonard — could be the difference-makers as this series unfolds.
For now, though, it’s advantage Denver.
